The 10 metre vessel named Juliet was from travelling from Harwich to Whitby when its journey was cut short after it suffered engine failure.

It got as far as the Cockle Gateway off the Winterton coast before the crew of two then tried wind power to bring her back to Great Yarmouth harbour.

But a lack of wind and a turning tide made it a very slow and tiring process, and Great Yarmouth and Gorleston lifeboat was called to help the stricken yacht.

The all weather lifeboat Samarbeta launched just after midnight today and reached the vessel within minutes.

Coxswain Paddy Lee said: “The crew of the yacht were very pleased to see us. They were very tired and at that time there were a couple of large ships in the area so were concerned of drifting into their paths.”

Crewman Kevin Bennington was transferred on board the Juliet to help with setting up of the bridle line so the yacht could be towed back to Yarmouth, and the casualty vessel was taken safe and well to moorings at Town Hall quay.

Paddy added: “Good result and good effort by all the crew, well done.”